Newcastle striker Alan Smith Everton move in doubt

Alan Smith's £3 million move from Newcastle to Everton is in doubt after the
player opted to train at his current club this morning.

Bitter end: Alan Smith is set to end a disappointing year-long Newcastle stint, where he has failed to register a competitive goal, by joining Everton for £3 millionPhoto: Reuters

By Matt Lawless

7:16AM BST 01 Sep 2008

Smith, 27, has endured a tumultuous year-long spell at St James' Park following his £6 million arrival from Manchester United and had been expected at Goodison Park today to undergo a routine medical before putting pen to paper.

But Smith was earlier seen at the Newcastle's Darsely Park training complex, seemingly casting his reported move to Everton in serious doubt.

While a move to Everton would rejuvenate Smith's ailing career, the former Leeds striker, often deployed by Newcastle as a midfielder, would have to accept a vast pay-cut from his current £60,000-per week wages.

Smith, who has four years left to run on his existing contract, miserably failed to find the net in 37 appearances for Newcastle last season, losing his place in the England squad in the process.

Despite his disappointing record in the north-east, Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan is reluctant to allow the versatile player leave fearing his already small squad will be further depleted and convinced he could rehabilitate Smith.

Owner Mike Ashley, however, is said to be unimpressed by Smith and is keen to do business since his departure will considerably reduce the wage-bill, an area he has prioritised in his cost-cutting plans at the club.

Smith's move to Merseyside has been forthcoming throughout the summer and the player was subjected to a hostile reception by the club's supporters on his last outing in a pre-season friendly at home to Valencia last month.

Although Keegan, at the time, did his best to calm tensions by insisting Smith would not be going anywhere, it was clear to the unhappy Newcastle faithful that Smith already had one foot out of the St James' Park exit door.

Meanwhile, Newcastle have completed the signing of Uruguay midfielder Ignacio Gonzalez on a season-long loan from Valencia and have agreed a £5.7 million fee for Deportivo La Coruna striker, Xisco.